Grecian or Greek?

[jmc_bks]

Just curious, is there a distinction in the use of Grecian vs. Greek? As in Oriental rug but Asian person? I always think of Grecian Formula men's hair dye when I see the word, but maybe that's just me being a dork...

Comments

[(Anonymous)]

Makes me think of 'How much does a Grecian Urn?'

And now I wonder where that joke comes from - sounds Morecambe and Wiseish.

Don't know the answer, but I think I'd be inclined to use Grecian if the object descrbed was ancient, and Greek if it was more modern. Grecian ruins, but Greek hotel. To my ears those sound better than Greek ruins and Grecian Hotel.
Though probably that's wrong - because you usually see the word Hellenic used when people are talking about ancient Greece.

Marianne McA

[jmc-bks.livejournal.com]

The question came up because I was reading a book in which the hero thought the heroine looked like a Grecian goddess. And I thought they were Greek goddesses. Maybe it's just one of those usages that just varies.

[dogzzz2002.livejournal.com]

I wonder if Grecian is for things that are 'kinda' Greek. I'm with you on the Greek goddess. Off to google, cause what the hell, I'm bored ;)

CindyS